RX8 - Am I missing something?
Discussion
Had a test drive of one of these today and found it a bit disappointing.
Whilst it is very free revving, at no point did I feel that it was pulling with ~240HP - do these engines get better with more miles on them? (This one had 900 miles on the clock)
Also, the change up beep was unobtrusive to the point of "I've hit the rev limiter, can you hear anything?"
Brakes stopped extremely well, but felt a bit over-servoed
Traction control seemed to be overly protective - I couldn't find a way to switch this off - I assume it must be possible - anyone know?
I couldn't get a feel for the handling of the car, as the traction control kept kicking in whenever I tried to drift the car - most annoying!
Anyone care to pass comment?
Whilst it is very free revving, at no point did I feel that it was pulling with ~240HP - do these engines get better with more miles on them? (This one had 900 miles on the clock)
Also, the change up beep was unobtrusive to the point of "I've hit the rev limiter, can you hear anything?"
Brakes stopped extremely well, but felt a bit over-servoed
Traction control seemed to be overly protective - I couldn't find a way to switch this off - I assume it must be possible - anyone know?
I couldn't get a feel for the handling of the car, as the traction control kept kicking in whenever I tried to drift the car - most annoying!
Anyone care to pass comment?
craigalsop said:
Had a test drive of one of these today and found it a bit disappointing.
Whilst it is very free revving, at no point did I feel that it was pulling with ~240HP - do these engines get better with more miles on them? (This one had 900 miles on the clock)
Also, the change up beep was unobtrusive to the point of "I've hit the rev limiter, can you hear anything?"
Brakes stopped extremely well, but felt a bit over-servoed
Traction control seemed to be overly protective - I couldn't find a way to switch this off - I assume it must be possible - anyone know?
I couldn't get a feel for the handling of the car, as the traction control kept kicking in whenever I tried to drift the car - most annoying!
Anyone care to pass comment?
I test drove one last weekend with about 2000 miles on it. It doesnt have the kick of 230 odd HP but it is there. And from other forums i use people have commented on them improving once you hit pre set mileage on the ecu, cant vouch for this as i havent brought it yet.
Brakes are very good, bear in mind there is no dive when you hit the brakes, this may be giving the impression of less feel.
I agree with the buzzer i could hardly hear it myself, so its kind of useless unless you have the radio off or very low.
On the lower right hand side of the steering wheel there is a button which turns off all electronic aids like TC and ESC etc. The traction control is very sensetive, i had the warning light comming on intermitantly when accelerating hard through the first 3 gears but it does save you if you get into the crap.
All in all for the money i thought it was a very good car, maybe worth you driving a demo from a different dealer with higher mileage and see if that makes a difference.
Gareth
Interesting to hear some comments as I'm planning in arranging a test drive in the new year myself.
My main concerns being:
1. How will the RX-8 engine characteristics compare to those of my Teg (both revvy but the Honda has that smile on yer face screaming 6000-9000rpm kick)?
2. More importantly how does the RX-8 handle compared to the Integra? Yes I know RWD will be different but will it be anywhere near as well stuck to the road?
3. Silly question - does the 1300cc capacity mean cheaper tax for the RX-8?
My main concerns being:
1. How will the RX-8 engine characteristics compare to those of my Teg (both revvy but the Honda has that smile on yer face screaming 6000-9000rpm kick)?
2. More importantly how does the RX-8 handle compared to the Integra? Yes I know RWD will be different but will it be anywhere near as well stuck to the road?
3. Silly question - does the 1300cc capacity mean cheaper tax for the RX-8?
craigalsop said:
Had a test drive of one of these today and found it a bit disappointing.
Whilst it is very free revving, at no point did I feel that it was pulling with ~240HP - do these engines get better with more miles on them? (This one had 900 miles on the clock)
Also, the change up beep was unobtrusive to the point of "I've hit the rev limiter, can you hear anything?"
Brakes stopped extremely well, but felt a bit over-servoed
Traction control seemed to be overly protective - I couldn't find a way to switch this off - I assume it must be possible - anyone know?
I couldn't get a feel for the handling of the car, as the traction control kept kicking in whenever I tried to drift the car - most annoying!
Anyone care to pass comment?
I test drove one about a month ago...was very impressed with all aspects,handling,brakes,steering and performance.
I have one on order having pre ordered it and get it in Jan/Feb 04.
Didn't test the rev limiter beep I'm afraid.
All in order very good value for money,I thought.
Steve
craigalsop said:
Had a test drive of one of these today and found it a bit disappointing.
Whilst it is very free revving, at no point did I feel that it was pulling with ~240HP - do these engines get better with more miles on them? (This one had 900 miles on the clock)
Also, the change up beep was unobtrusive to the point of "I've hit the rev limiter, can you hear anything?"
Brakes stopped extremely well, but felt a bit over-servoed
Traction control seemed to be overly protective - I couldn't find a way to switch this off - I assume it must be possible - anyone know?
I couldn't get a feel for the handling of the car, as the traction control kept kicking in whenever I tried to drift the car - most annoying!
Anyone care to pass comment?
Now I guess the same is going to happen to me then! I've had a string of 300bhp+ (claimed) TVR's, all V8's with loads of torque. Last year my situation dicdated that the TVR's make way for more important things (like paying the mortgage!), since then I've been looking for an alternative that is fun, handles well, relatively fast and can take more that two people (and doesn't have the purchase/running costs of Tiv).
After doing the daily commute in a 1.2 Clio for 6 months and being suprised at how well that little car handled I thought I'd found "the" car in the Clio 172 Cup, 12K, 172bhp and very impressive track stats. The thing is I just know already that the RX8 is probably going to leave me feeling the same way as that Clio did.... Completely uninspired. I'm sure it will handle fantastically (and "I" know where the TC switch is Craig!) and if worked at will go like stink, but I also know why I will be left feeling blank at the experience, it is a torque thing. It's like getting a taste for fine champagne or fresh ground coffee, Asti & Nescafe never quite make the grade anymore, once you are bitten by the torque bug it's an infection for life!
Which is a shame, because I love the looks of the car, the Stig showed how quick it can go and I dearly want to like it.
Neil
neilv said:
Had a test drive of one of these today and found it a bit disappointing.
Whilst it is very free revving, at no point did I feel that it was pulling with ~240HP - do these engines get better with more miles on them? (This one had 900 miles on the clock)
Also, the change up beep was unobtrusive to the point of "I've hit the rev limiter, can you hear anything?"
Brakes stopped extremely well, but felt a bit over-servoed
Traction control seemed to be overly protective - I couldn't find a way to switch this off - I assume it must be possible - anyone know?
I couldn't get a feel for the handling of the car, as the traction control kept kicking in whenever I tried to drift the car - most annoying!
Anyone care to pass comment?
Now I guess the same is going to happen to me then! I've had a string of 300bhp+ (claimed) TVR's, all V8's with loads of torque. Last year my situation dicdated that the TVR's make way for more important things (like paying the mortgage!), since then I've been looking for an alternative that is fun, handles well, relatively fast and can take more that two people (and doesn't have the purchase/running costs of Tiv).
After doing the daily commute in a 1.2 Clio for 6 months and being suprised at how well that little car handled I thought I'd found "the" car in the Clio 172 Cup, 12K, 172bhp and very impressive track stats. The thing is I just know already that the RX8 is probably going to leave me feeling the same way as that Clio did.... Completely uninspired. I'm sure it will handle fantastically (and "I" know where the TC switch is Craig!) and if worked at will go like stink, but I also know why I will be left feeling blank at the experience, it is a torque thing. It's like getting a taste for fine champagne or fresh ground coffee, Asti & Nescafe never quite make the grade anymore, once you are bitten by the torque bug it's an infection for life!
Which is a shame, because I love the looks of the car, the Stig showed how quick it can go and I dearly want to like it.
Neil
Neil,
As I have said before if you drive one expecting it to be like a V8 Tiv,you will be disappointed.
I like it for what it is,an excellent handling,braking and chuckable coupe.....drive one and see!
I get mine on 02/01/04 ,so watch this space!
Steve
Certainly is the case with my rx7. 
)RedTeg said:
Interesting to hear some comments as I'm planning in arranging a test drive in the new year myself.
My main concerns being:
2. More importantly how does the RX-8 handle compared to the Integra? Yes I know RWD will be different but will it be anywhere near as well stuck to the road?
3. Silly question - does the 1300cc capacity mean cheaper tax for the RX-8?
As for the handling....superb....Evo descibed it as one of the finest cars they had driven in 2003!
Steve
<- RX8 owner for 5 weeks now .. :
"Traction control seemed to be overly protective - I couldn't find a way to switch this off - I assume it must be possible - anyone know?
I couldn't get a feel for the handling of the car, as the traction control kept kicking in whenever I tried to drift the car - most annoying!"
You can switch it off in 2 modes. Either normal 'off' and it comes back into play when ABS kicks in (oh shit mode) or fully off (by a long press of the button). Button is to right of wheel quite low down on dash next to instrument light adjust.
"Whilst it is very free revving, at no point did I feel that it was pulling with ~240HP - do these engines get better with more miles on them? (This one had 900 miles on the clock)"
It has a very flat torque curve, so no boost/kick, just liniar increase in acceleration through the whole rev range - you always end up faster than you thought you are.
BUT I and a few others have noticed on occasion what we think is a sticking port @7k RPM which hits top end acceleration - I had it 2000-2400 ish miles, seems to have gone for now - car pulls very well at high rpm now.
"Brakes stopped extremely well, but felt a bit over-servoed"
You get more feel as they bed in - and they realy do stop you quick.
"1. How will the RX-8 engine characteristics compare to those of my Teg (both revvy but the Honda has that smile on yer face screaming 6000-9000rpm kick)? "
There is no v-teck kick as such, which is easier on the passengers, and easier to drive IMo - just gets faster as the rpm builds.
"2. More importantly how does the RX-8 handle compared to the Integra? Yes I know RWD will be different but will it be anywhere near as well stuck to the road? "
Dont know about the integra, and being winter/new car and all I havnt pushed my RX_8 all tat far, but it handles great IMO, and see top gears test - because of weight distribution and low polar moment can be switched between under and oversteer almost at will accordingly.
JC's comments on wet weather handing were probably because of (a) RE040's , not the best wet tyres ands (b) long hot summer and he drove it roughly when we had first winter rain, so roads probably all slipery.
I've a RWD n00b and I'm having no problems with the car, DSC only cuts in when I expect/provoke it to (when booting it in corners/roundabouts).
"3. Silly question - does the 1300cc capacity mean cheaper tax for the RX-8?"
Uh - sorry no. .gov and DVLA count it as a 2.6 anyhow - but TAX is done on CO2 emmisions now - NOT engine size - and its 282gms/xxx - i.e. high bracket for both company and road tax.
Insurance companies care little for engine size anyhow - more on cost/performance/replacement/repair costs + stealability.
Its counted as 2.6 for company milage - and it DRINKS!
"Traction control seemed to be overly protective - I couldn't find a way to switch this off - I assume it must be possible - anyone know?
I couldn't get a feel for the handling of the car, as the traction control kept kicking in whenever I tried to drift the car - most annoying!"
You can switch it off in 2 modes. Either normal 'off' and it comes back into play when ABS kicks in (oh shit mode) or fully off (by a long press of the button). Button is to right of wheel quite low down on dash next to instrument light adjust.
"Whilst it is very free revving, at no point did I feel that it was pulling with ~240HP - do these engines get better with more miles on them? (This one had 900 miles on the clock)"
It has a very flat torque curve, so no boost/kick, just liniar increase in acceleration through the whole rev range - you always end up faster than you thought you are.
BUT I and a few others have noticed on occasion what we think is a sticking port @7k RPM which hits top end acceleration - I had it 2000-2400 ish miles, seems to have gone for now - car pulls very well at high rpm now.
"Brakes stopped extremely well, but felt a bit over-servoed"
You get more feel as they bed in - and they realy do stop you quick.
"1. How will the RX-8 engine characteristics compare to those of my Teg (both revvy but the Honda has that smile on yer face screaming 6000-9000rpm kick)? "
There is no v-teck kick as such, which is easier on the passengers, and easier to drive IMo - just gets faster as the rpm builds.
"2. More importantly how does the RX-8 handle compared to the Integra? Yes I know RWD will be different but will it be anywhere near as well stuck to the road? "
Dont know about the integra, and being winter/new car and all I havnt pushed my RX_8 all tat far, but it handles great IMO, and see top gears test - because of weight distribution and low polar moment can be switched between under and oversteer almost at will accordingly.
JC's comments on wet weather handing were probably because of (a) RE040's , not the best wet tyres ands (b) long hot summer and he drove it roughly when we had first winter rain, so roads probably all slipery.
I've a RWD n00b and I'm having no problems with the car, DSC only cuts in when I expect/provoke it to (when booting it in corners/roundabouts).
"3. Silly question - does the 1300cc capacity mean cheaper tax for the RX-8?"
Uh - sorry no. .gov and DVLA count it as a 2.6 anyhow - but TAX is done on CO2 emmisions now - NOT engine size - and its 282gms/xxx - i.e. high bracket for both company and road tax.
Insurance companies care little for engine size anyhow - more on cost/performance/replacement/repair costs + stealability.
Its counted as 2.6 for company milage - and it DRINKS!
Almost 3000.
Only problem so far is fuel consumption , between 19 and 23mpg is normal. Mostly urban, some motorway.
I dont mind the urban low MPG - its rated at 18/19 and I'm always beating that, its just the motorway/combined figures of 24 and 32. 32 IMO even at 56mph or whatever will be totaly unachievable. I think 26/27 may be the best I would expect.
Only problem so far is fuel consumption , between 19 and 23mpg is normal. Mostly urban, some motorway.
I dont mind the urban low MPG - its rated at 18/19 and I'm always beating that, its just the motorway/combined figures of 24 and 32. 32 IMO even at 56mph or whatever will be totaly unachievable. I think 26/27 may be the best I would expect.
Thanks for all the info RobDickson.
Should have stuck a suitable smiley on my daft 3rd question to indicate that I wasn't 100% serious but you did confirm what I was thinking.
The mpg figures are scaring me off a bit. I thought my own car was thirsty but owning a car that is consistently worse is something I may choke on.
Common as well these RX8s, seem to see them everywhere now
Should have stuck a suitable smiley on my daft 3rd question to indicate that I wasn't 100% serious but you did confirm what I was thinking.
The mpg figures are scaring me off a bit. I thought my own car was thirsty but owning a car that is consistently worse is something I may choke on.
Common as well these RX8s, seem to see them everywhere now
Yeah, fuel consumption is a little scary, hopefully it'll get better with milage.
But 90-95% of my driving atm is urban crawl - and it doesnt like that at all. I got 275 miles out of my 1st tank purely because I was out on open A roads.
Its probably (for my ~20k a year) gna cost me £1k more PA than my 1.8 focus - which when compared to how much I'll likely loose through depreciation is cheap lol...
But 90-95% of my driving atm is urban crawl - and it doesnt like that at all. I got 275 miles out of my 1st tank purely because I was out on open A roads.
Its probably (for my ~20k a year) gna cost me £1k more PA than my 1.8 focus - which when compared to how much I'll likely loose through depreciation is cheap lol...
Key thing with these engines is they're so smooth and revvy that you don't really feel the power. It's definitely there though. It's a complete contrast with Toyota (and other) variable valve engines which take off with a turbo-like kick as the rev's increase.
Very glad to see there's so much enthusiasm for a car that's a bit different. Perfect but for the company car driver with a purchase price limit and who doesn't have to fret too much about running costs.
Despite Mazda's long term support of the rotary engine the car that saved their company from bankruptcy and has become the best selling sports car in history has a conventional 4-cylinder engine of modest specification!
Very glad to see there's so much enthusiasm for a car that's a bit different. Perfect but for the company car driver with a purchase price limit and who doesn't have to fret too much about running costs.
Despite Mazda's long term support of the rotary engine the car that saved their company from bankruptcy and has become the best selling sports car in history has a conventional 4-cylinder engine of modest specification!
Got mine just before xmas, drove home from Paris through rain, snow etc. Nice car, feels very good to steer & drive. Power is nothing like my 3 previous cerbs, but still you will easily leave most of your fellow road users without too much trouble. Very revvy engine, takes a while before you get used to not shifting too soon and keeping the thing above 5000 revs. Noise inside very low, outside quite quiet again compared to the tivs, but still a quite addictive motorcycle like sound, and a continuous push in the back. Not the headturner the tivs where but IMHO not bad looking at all and the novelty value of the engine, doors, design etc. shouldn't be underestimated. Indeed, for me, if you can't take your tiv when you move to France, a very nice & capable company car (I couldn't get an allowance) with some street cred. Quite happy with it, although it'll never replace the 4.2 V8... but in fairness, much easier to drive.
Just had several laps in one at Brunter's today, nice noise at full chat, like a little Ducati under the bonnet.
With the TC off (button to the right of the dash underneath) it didn't have the power to provoke a tail slide at high speed unless you throttled off & provoked at the corner entry. Gutless below 7k, did not feel like 200+ bhp but very refined handling.
Overall very impressed especially at that money.
With the TC off (button to the right of the dash underneath) it didn't have the power to provoke a tail slide at high speed unless you throttled off & provoked at the corner entry. Gutless below 7k, did not feel like 200+ bhp but very refined handling.
Overall very impressed especially at that money.
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